If you step into Quinary or The Lobster Bar for a tipple anytime soon, you can revel in the fact that these Hong Kong establishments are now recognized as being two of the “best bars” in the world. Yes, latest edition of “The World’s 50 Best Bars” were announced last night at London’s Southwark Cathedral, and while our city didn’t top the list, it’s more than a respectable showing.
Quinary can lay claim to being the city’s top ranked bar, coming in at #40 (down from #41), while The Lobster Bar in the Island Shangri-La hotel placed at #49 (a steep drop from #27). 12 bars from Asia in total made the list, including seven from Singapore (with Manhattan being the region’s highest ranked bar at #7), two from Tokyo and one each from Shanghai and Taipei.
On the world stage, American Bar at The Savoy Hotel in London has been declared THE world’s best bar with Dandelyan at The Mondrian London and The NoMad Bar at New York’s NoMad Hotel coming in as runner’s up. All told 24 cities and 19 countries are represented, with the U.S. having the highest amount of placings with 13. Collectively, Europe has the highest total of bars in the Top 50, with 19.
For the Central based Quinary, this marks the fifth year in a row that the bar has received a Top 50 ranking. Co-owned by Antonio Lai and Samuel Kwok, the Hollywood Road hideaway is best known for the molecular elements found in such drinks as Earl Grey Caviar Martini and Lavender Meringue Pie. “With all the new bar openings in the past year, it’s not easy to consistently secure a spot on this most coveted list in the drinks industry,” says Lai. “I thank my bar team for their dedication and creativity – they deserve a big round of applause. And shots, of course!”
The World’s 50 Best Bars by Drinks International is considered to be one of the most prestigious and influential awards of its type. Bartenders, bar consultants, brand consultants and journalists all take part in the voting. Concept, execution, décor, atmosphere, service and hospitality are all considered when casting votes.
The full list of The World’s 50 Best Bars can be viewed here https://www.worlds50bestbars.com/ )